ASHTABULA – Carolyn Sheldon’s time as the City of Ashtabula assistant finance director and in other positions has been about a lot more than numbers.
Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence over more than 37 years of service has been celebrated upon her recent retirement.
On July 17th, the city held a retirement reception for Sheldon at city hall. In addition, she will be presented with a resolution at city council’s Aug. 17th meeting.
Sheldon said it seemed like her time with the city went by so fast.
“I loved working for the finance department,” she said. “The work suited me. The people were wonderful.”
Council President John Roskovics spoke at Sheldon’s retirement party, saying he has known her for a long time.
“We’re finally here, and we’re so excited to be here,” he said. “We’re excited for Carolyn. We’re sad for the city, obviously, but we’re excited for Carolyn to begin this new chapter of her life.”
Roskovics said there have been four finance directors during his time on council.
When looking for a new finance director each time, Roskovics said there were no worries in the interim because Sheldon, as assistant finance director, was there.
“The council, we would always sit around and we would say, ‘Not to worry, we have Carolyn,’” Roskovics recalled. “We knew no matter what, things were going to be OK because we had such a capable, professional, knowing person doing the job. And when each finance director came in, it was Carolyn who brought them in and showed them the ropes and helped them get acclimated to what needed to be done for the city. So, we really are going to miss her very, very much.”
Roskovics said the city was lucky to have such a valuable employee over the years. He complimented Sheldon for her professionalism, ability to work with people and even-temperedness.
“On behalf of city council, we just want to wish her the very, very best in her retirement,” he said. “We want her to know how much we’re going to miss her. And she’s always welcome to come back.”
According to information from the city, Sheldon began with the City of Ashtabula in 1989 and subsequently served as Human Resources and Payroll Administrator since 2014, Assistant Finance Director since 2015, and Acting Finance Director in 2023 and Interim Finance Director in 2025.
In addition, Sheldon served as project lead for several significant initiatives, including the implementation of Right Staff timekeeping software in 2013; the creation of the City investment program in 2022; and the establishment of reporting procedures for workplace injuries and drug-free workplace practices programs, according to the city.
She also was the project lead for the conversion of accounting software from CMI to SSI and the establishment of bank reconciliation procedures within SSI in 2018.
This work was a highlight for her.
“That was important to me because you’re not really balancing unless you’re balancing within the software,” she said.
Another initiative she led was the review of three years of delinquent income tax accounts and the development of procedures for certifying delinquent accounts to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
This also made her proud.
“I was able to get that back on track,” she said. “The city was not pursuing those delinquent accounts.”
Sheldon said she worked with five finance directors.
“I have enjoyed working with people in finance,” she said.
The city also noted that Sheldon consistently satisfied all financial reporting standards and deadlines, and continually improved departmental processes, enabling her to assume additional responsibilities as needed.
The current city finance director, Vladimir Kan, also shared some remarks about Sheldon at her retirement reception.
“Throughout her years of dedicated service, Carolyn has been a steady and trusted presence within our organization,” he said. “Carolyn’s professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence have helped guide us through challenges, changes, and successes alike.”
Kan said Sheldon brought much more than technical skill to her position.
“She brought integrity, dependability, patience, and a genuine willingness to help others,” he said. “Whether answering questions, solving problems, or supporting colleagues, Carolyn did so with grace and kindness.”
Kan said Sheldon’s knowledge helped shape the organization of the city, and her leadership left a lasting impression on those he said were fortunate enough to work beside her.
He added that the city is excited for her as she begins a new chapter with retirement.
On behalf of the city, Kan thanked Sheldon for her years of service, dedication and friendship, saying her legacy will remain well into the future.
Sheldon said she was ready to retire. She was proud of her work.
“I put into a lot of hours, and I’m ready to take a step back, spend more time with my family, and I’m leaving the department in capable hands, so it’s a win-win,” she said. “I feel good about my work product and I feel I made a contribution to the city, so that was important to me.”
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